Copyright © 2021

The Argument

This plan is based upon a belief in universal, rational gun control by the state. The main aim of state-based gun control is the raising of gun literacy throughout society. Success entails the general public, en masse, taking a giant leap forward in their knowledge and skill with respect to the proper use, maintenance and storage of guns.

The motivation for this plan is, firstly, the knowledge that guns are established in America as an essential protector of liberty at both the individual and collective levels. Secondly, it is motivated by the belief that a gun is a special instrument because of its power to kill. Given the fact of this power, a gun is a useful instrument that cannot be counted as a general purpose, household appliance suitable for classification along with the microwave, the big-screen tv and the lawn mower.

In order to maintain a civil society of responsible individuals pursuing happiness individually and collectively, two exercises of power are essential: the power of the individual to choose to own a gun; the power of the state to regulate gun ownership.

The special status of guns therefore demands strictly rational control by a neutral party sanctioned by the polity. Logically, such rational control will be maintained primarily for the sake of public safety. Best candidate for this job is the duly elected state power.

State regulation of gun ownership need not be a devilish political controversy if civil society understands that such regulation must have as its main goal maintaining gun literacy at the highest possible levels.

A civil society informed about guns, both in theory and in practice, possesses the greatest capability for successful pursuit of happiness under the rubric of respect for liberty and its essential protector, individual gun rights.

The Plan

The design of this plan is based upon configuring gun control in a parallel with state control of motor vehicles.

Just as now we have the Department of Motor Vehicles, operated at the state level, this plan will establish the Department of Firearms, also operated at the state level.

Just as now we have a two-part course of instruction for motor vehicles i.e., a classroom part (theory) and a roadside part (practice), this plan will establish a two-part course of instruction for guns i.e., a classroom part (theory) and a shooting range part (practice).

Classroom instruction will introduce students to the handgun, its operating parts; breakdown and re-assemblage; pertinent gun laws

Firing range instruction will introduce students to handling and operation of the handgun; handling of ammunition; techniques of marksmanship; storage

A state might maintain firing range facilities if its legislature so ordains. Of course private firing range facilities will also be available according to preference.

Just as now we have a state-based licensing system for motor vehicle operators, this plan will establish a state-based licensing system for gun operators.

The gun operator will be issued a DFA photo ID. It will hold, as with the DMV photo ID, essential status as universally acceptable ID.

The DFA photo ID, like the DMV photo ID, will create a database of verified owners accessible to state and national law enforcement.

Just as now we have high-performance vehicle licenses for operators of larger, more complex vehicles (tractor-trailers), this plan will establish high-performance licenses for more complex and powerful guns (semi-automatic weapons).

High-performance DFA licenses will require additional training and practice qualifications.

Just as now the DMV license operates on a four-year renewal cycle, the DFA license will operate on a four-year renewal cycle.

Note – One important difference between the two systems is that gun operators must re-qualify for every license renewal. Regular, mandatory re-qualification will help insure gun operators stay current on gun laws and gun technology. This higher standard of qualification rigor is tied to the special status of guns.

While, of course, operation of a gun is determined by personal choice, for those who choose to become operators, qualification for such status under this plan will require a DFA license. In this way, state power shall fulfill its duty to protect public safety, to bind gun rights to education and to champion liberty.

Social Impact

A civil society operating under the foundational principle of individual and collective liberty must be an informed society.

Since the essential status of gun rights in America is a given, maintenance of maximal gun literacy, like maximal verbal literacy, becomes an essential function and duty of state power.

Best argument for public safety amidst the steady proliferation of guns in America is universal gun education.

Establishment of the DFA answers the crying need for universal gun literacy in America.

When a disturbed individual seeks to become a one-person killing machine in a public venue, thus threatening the lives of multitudes with high-speed destruction, a universally gun literate public, with right-to-carry gun laws supporting it, will best be able to quickly respond to such threats with an effective plan of nullification.

This is best answer to America’s pressing need for DIY peace officers who can step to the plate under duress of in-progress gun calamities.

Likewise, best answer to gun-fueled domestic violence calamities is universal gun skills possessed by members of the nation’s households.

Best answer also extends to gun literacy forestalling calamities stemming from improper storage of guns and ammunition.

Conclusion

Liberty does not mean anything goes. Just as the liberty afforded by motor vehicles does not mean anything goes regarding operation of said vehicles, the liberty afforded by gun rights should not mean anything goes regarding operation of guns.

Good parents know their children are happiest – and most free – when they’re guided by the strong hand of common-sense discipline. A spoiled child, lacking self-discipline, soon makes a mess of his-her life.

A society dedicated to liberty, and committed to its protector, gun rights, dissipates its potential with anything goes gun rights that cause proliferation of gun calamities rooted in ignorance and vanity.